Bacterial Cross‐contamination Potential Associated with Contaminated Currency

Previous studies have shown a significant amount of contaminants on paper currencies. It is important to study the transfer of microorganisms between paper currencies to determine whether it meets the level of a human health threat. This cross‐contamination potential was analyzed by seeding new US 1‐dollar bills with Bacillus thuringiensis, and pressing or rubbing them against clean currency to determine the amount of bacteria transfer to the unseeded currency. The transferred amount of bacteria was recovered, plated, incubated, and the colony‐forming units were quantified. Among the recovery methods tested, the most efficient method, vortexing for 10 min with a recovery efficiency of 40 ± 8.1%, was used in this analysis. The resulting transfer rates were 4.8%, 8.6%, and 14.3% when pressed for 24 h, 72 h, and rubbed together, respectively. These transferred amounts of bacteria are significant and have the potential to spread infectious diseases.     

Elimination of Bioweapons Agents from Forensic Samples During Extraction of Human DNA

Collection of DNA for genetic profiling is a powerful means for the identification of individuals responsible for crimes and terrorist acts. Biologic hazards, such as bacteria, endospores, toxins, and viruses, could contaminate sites of terrorist activities and thus could be present in samples collected for profiling. The fate of these hazards during DNA isolation has not been thoroughly examined. Our goals were to determine whether the DNA extraction process used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police eliminates or neutralizes these agents and if not, to establish methods that render samples safe without compromising the human DNA. Our results show that bacteria, viruses, and toxins were reduced to undetectable levels during DNA extraction, but endospores remained viable. Filtration of samples after DNA isolation eliminated viable spores from the samples but left DNA intact. We also demonstrated that contamination of samples with some bacteria, endospores, and toxins for longer than 1 h compromised the ability to complete genetic profiling.     

产后出血死亡原因分析

目的 分析产后出血死亡案例法医病理学鉴定的特点,探究产后出血致死的常见原因,为法医工     

PCR扩增体系的体积减少对DNA分析的影响

目的探讨PCR扩增体系的体积减少对DNA分析的影响。方法4份样品采用ProfilerPlus试剂盒,在同样条件下,对50μl、25μl、12.5μl、6.25μl四种体积的体系进行扩增,扩增产物分别经ABIPRISMTM310型基因分析仪、ABIPRISMTM377型测序仪、ABIPRISMTM3100型基因分析仪电泳,并经GeneScan3.1基因扫描软件和Genotyper2.5分析软件分析得到实验结果。结果小体积的扩增体系容易出现等位基因的丢失、额外等位基因的产生等现象。结论在检材情况较差时,应该慎用小体积的扩增体系。     

A microbiological test for the diagnosis of death by drowning

The present study was aimed at demonstrating the diffusion of sea water or freshwater into the bloodstream as a consequence of water aspiration due to drowning. The study was carried out on 42 study group subjects who died by drowning in salt water (20 cases) and freshwater (22 cases) and 30 control group subjects who died from causes other than drowning. For 25 cases we obtained water samples from the aquatic locations where the victims were found. The blood samples of study and control groups were analyzed to search for faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS) bacteria. The presence of FC and FS was showed by the development of blue and red colonies, respectively. From left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) blood cultures of the 20 sea drowning victims we always isolated FS and FC, whereas 19 (95%) femoral arterial (FA) and 18 (90%) femoral venous (FV) blood cultures were positive for both faecal bacteria. Related to freshwater victims, LV blood cultures showed FS presence for all the 22 cases studied (100%) and FC presence for 20 cases (90.91%). Blood cultures from RV, FV, and FA showed various patterns of faecal bacteria presence. The analysis of 25 water samples from the aquatic locations where the victims were found showed the presence of FC and FS bacteria. Blood cultures from the 30 control subjects uniformly proved the absence of faecal bacteria.     

Tracking plant, fungal, and bacterial DNA in honey specimens

Consuming honey can result in adverse effects owing to poisoning by bacterial (botulism) or plant toxins. We have devised a method to extract polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifiable DNA of up to c. 400 bp in length based on dialysis of a 15-mL honey sample for 18 h against deionized water followed by sequential extraction using phenol, phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol, chloroform/isoamyl alcohol, and ether. Sequence analysis of PCR products obtained using "universal" plant, fungal, and bacterial primers targeted to the ribosomal RNA genes has allowed us to identify six different orders of plants (Apiales, Fabales, Asterales, Solanales, Brassicales, and Sapindales), two orders of fungi (Entylomatales and Saccharomycetales), and six orders of bacteria (Sphingomonadales, Burkholderiales, Pseudomonadales, Enterobacteriales, Actinomycetales, and Bifidobacteriales) in a single honey specimen.     

Marine bacterial succession as a potential indicator of postmortem submersion interval

The process of decomposition of bodies in the marine environment is poorly understood and almost nothing is currently known about the microorganisms involved. This study aimed to investigate the microbes involved in decomposition in the sea and to evaluate the potential use of marine bacterial succession for postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) estimation, for which there is currently no reliable method. Partial pig remains were completely submerged during autumn and winter and were regularly sampled to document marine bacterial colonisation and the changes in community composition over time. Five stages of decomposition were recognised, some of which exhibited characters specific for partial carrion. Marine bacteria rapidly colonised the submerged remains in a successional manner. Seasonal differences were observed for the rate of decomposition and also for several groups of colonising bacteria. Marine bacteria specific for particular PMSIs were identified. This study provides an insight into the involvement of saprophytic marine bacteria in the decomposition of mammalian remains in the sea and is the first to explore the use of marine bacterial colonisation and succession as a novel tool for PMSI estimation. We propose that with further study, marine bacterial succession will prove useful for determination of the length of time a body may have been immersed in a marine environment.     

SiFa~(TM) 23 Plex试剂盒(提取测试版)在汉族人群中的法医学调查

目的评估SiFa~(TM) 23 Plex试剂盒(提取测试版)的性能及其所包含的STR基因座在汉族人群中的群体遗传学信息。方法应用试剂盒对1 000名汉族健康无关个体进行分型检测,检测试剂盒有效性并统计分析STR基因座的频率数据及群体遗传学参数信息。结果该试剂盒最小扩增体系可以为6.25μL,标准体系25μL中DNA含量低至125 pg可获取理想分型图谱。试剂盒中包含的21个常染色体STR基因座在1000人份中共检测到267个等位基因,均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡。新增加的两个STR基因座D1S1656和D10S1248分别检测到15和11个等位基因,多态信息含量丰富。结论 SiFa~(TM) 23 Plex试剂盒(提取测试版)对于血液样本检测性能优越,准确性、重复性、灵敏度均可满足法医学检案需求,可以应用于法医学实际检案及DNA建库工作。     

发光细菌在法医毒物检测中的应用

目的利用发光细菌-青海弧菌Q67对于法医毒物的敏感性,建立一种案发现场快速检测法医毒物的发光细菌检测方法。方法制备冷冻干燥青海弧菌Q67测试液,将法医毒物检材的不同浓度稀释液加入制备好的青海弧菌Q67测试液中,通过检测青海弧菌Q67反应前后的相对发光强度的变化,计算出样本对青海弧菌Q67相对发光强度的变化率或抑制率,对法医毒物检材的毒性进行生物影响的定性评价。结果通过对包含多种农药混合物的法医检材稀释液的测试,发现发光细菌检测结果呈阳性的4个检材对青海弧菌Q67的发光强度抑制率分别为：100.00%,90.41%,84.26%,88.81%。结论通过对包含多种农药混合物的法医检材的测试表明,青海弧菌Q67发光检测方法对法医毒物的毒性的检测是一种快速、灵敏的现场检测方法。     

Possible common partial antigens in human Ig allotype structure and ubiquitous bacteria, studied with the example of Escherichia coli

As can be learned from the literature, bovine serum may contain antibodies directed against human immunoglobulin allotypes. This gave rise to the question of what the origin of those antibodies is. We tested bacteria (E. coli) by means of the haemagglutination inhibition assay, which is used to type either Gm or Km factors. Anti-G1m(2) and anti-G3m(10)-specific antibodies were inhibited by the bacteria in a clear-cut manner, as was anti-Km(1), albeit less significantly. In contrast, the bacteria tested almost totally failed to inhibit anti-G3m(21) serum. The results lead to the assumption that E. coli may carry both Gm- and Km-like antigenic structures, which are presumably the antigenic material leading to immunization of cattle. Furthermore, new attention is drawn to a mechanism for immunization which is discussed regarding the genesis of either AB0 isoagglutinins in man or other "naturally occurring" antibodies.     

Goldeneye？DNA身份鉴定系统26Y试剂盒的法医学验证

目的：对Goldeneye？DNA身份鉴定系统26Y试剂盒的法医学参数进行验证和分析。方法根据DNA分析方法科学工作组（Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods,SWGDAM）对试剂盒的法医学验证要求,从PCR扩增体系的测试、重复性、准确性、灵敏度等多个角度对该试剂盒进行检测评估。应用该试剂盒对华东地区517名汉族健康无关个体进行Y-STR基因座分型检测,检测单倍型分布状况及频率信息,并评估该试剂盒的法医学参数。结果该试剂盒对6.25μL扩增体系、DNA量低至125 pg时仍然可以得到准确的分型结果。特异性检测发现该试剂盒对常见的动物DNA和微生物DNA无有效的扩增结果。男性混合样本（1∶19和19∶1）中,较少样本的等位基因检出率可以达到70%以上;在男女混合样本中,女性DNA背景的存在不影响试剂盒的灵敏度。结论 Goldeneye？DNA身份鉴定系统26Y试剂盒灵敏度高、特异性好,且可以应用于混合物的检测。试剂盒所包含的26个Y-STR基因座多态性良好,可满足法医学实际应用。     

Prevalence of Demodex in health personnel working in the autopsy room

The health personnel working in the autopsy rooms and laboratories are considered among the professional groups carrying a high risk of contamination with infection. In this study, we have investigated the prevalence of Demodex, which provides a convenient environment for bacteria and acts as a vector for certain microorganisms, in the health personnel working in autopsy rooms. The study, which was cross-sectional, was conducted on 58 health personnel working in autopsy rooms. A questionnaire was administered to the individuals. Specimens were obtained from 4 different regions of the face using the standard skin-surface biopsy technique. The data obtained were then evaluated statistically. This study group consisted of 76% males and 24% females. The prevalence of Demodex was 26%. Demodex was found to occur more frequently in women. The most frequent occurrence of Demodex was seen among people with darker complexion and in cheek localizations. We believe that Demodex, which has a role in the pathogenesis of dermatologic diseases, provides a convenient environment for bacteria, and acts as a vector for some pathogenic microorganisms, poses a risk as far as individuals working in the autopsy room are concerned.     

溺死相关浮游生物基因座的复合扩增体系

目的构建溺死相关浮游生物基因座的复合扩增体系,验证体系特异性并评估其在法医溺死诊断中的应用价值。方法针对溺死相关浮游生物同源基因序列,设计特异性引物,并用FAM、HEX、TAMRA、ROX、SIZ荧光染料分组标记,构建复合扩增体系;进行体系特异性验证;以16例实验猪样本评估体系检验效能;复合扩增体系、硅藻形态学MD-VF-Auto SEM检测法及硅藻rbc L基因PCR-CE检测法分别检测28例案件样本,比较分析应用效果。结果该复合扩增体系共包含14个基因座,可特异性扩增35种浮游藻类和3种浮游细菌,人、3种人体共生菌及8种浮游细菌均为阴性。以该体系检测溺死实验猪,阳性率为90%,非溺死实验猪均未检出;检测溺死案件样本,阳性率为96%,非溺死案件均未检出。复合扩增体系与MD-VF-Auto SEM法检测案件尸体肺、肝和肾的阳性率均不具有统计学差异(P>0.05),但其与硅藻rbcL基因PCR-CE法检测案件肝和肾的阳性率均具有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论本文针对多种溺死相关浮游生物14个基因建立的复合扩增体系,具备多种靶物种的特异性遗传标记,且所需检材量小,提高了检测效能,在法医溺死鉴定中具有良好的应用前景。     

The scope and teaching of welfare law: Report of a symposium*

British Nationality Law and The 1981 Act. By Laurie Fransman. [Fourmat Publishing. xiv and 129 pp. (inc. index). £6.25]

Tort: Cases and Materials. Second Edition. By B. A. Hepple and M. H. Matthews. [Butterworths. 1980. xlii and 757 pp. (inc. index). £14.95].

Mercantile Law. By Kenneth Smith and Denis Keenan. Fifth Edition. [Pitman 1982. xiii and 753 pp. (inc. index). £8.95 (paperback)].

The Politics of the Judiciary. Second Edition. By J. A. G. Griffith. [Fontana. 255 pp.(inc. index). £2.50].

Introduction to Law in the Republic of Ireland. By Richard H. Grimes and Patrick T. Horgan. [Wolfhound Press. 368 pp. (inc. index). £10.75].

Family Law in the Republic of Ireland. By Alan Joseph Shatter. Second Edition. [Wolfhound Press. 1981. Distributed outside Ireland by Sweet and Maxwell. xl and 408 pp. (inc. index). £18 (paperback)].     

Ethanol formation in unadulterated postmortem tissues

During the investigation of aviation accidents, postmortem samples obtained from fatal accident victims are submitted to the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) for toxicological analysis. During toxicological evaluations, ethanol analysis is performed on all cases. Many species of bacteria, yeast, and fungi have the ability to produce ethanol and other volatile organic compounds in postmortem specimens. The potential for postmortem ethanol formation complicates the interpretation of ethanol-positive results from accident victims. Therefore, the prevention of ethanol formation at all steps following specimen collection is a priority. Sodium fluoride is the most commonly used preservative for postmortem specimens. Several studies have been published detailing the effectiveness of sodium fluoride for the prevention of ethanol formation in blood and urine specimens; however, our laboratory receives blood or urine in approximately 70% of cases. Thus, we frequently rely on tissue specimens for ethanol analysis. The postmortem tissue specimens received by our laboratory have generally been subjected to severe trauma and may have been exposed to numerous microbial species capable of ethanol production. With this in mind, we designed an experiment utilizing unadulterated tissue specimens obtained from aviation accident victims to determine the effectiveness of sodium fluoride at various storage temperatures for the prevention of microbial ethanol formation. We found that without preservative, specimens stored at 4 degrees C for 96 h showed an increase in ethanol concentration ranging from 22 to 75 mg/hg (average 42 +/- 15 mg/hg). At 25 degrees C, these same specimens showed an increase ranging from 19 to 84 mg/hg (average 45 +/- 22 mg/hg). With the addition of 1.00% sodium fluoride, there was no significant increase in ethanol concentration at either temperature.     

Microbial production of hydroxy and oxo fatty acids by several microorganisms as a model of adipocere formation

Some varieties of aerobic or anaerobic microorganisms from the human stool and adipocere were separated and identified. These separated microorganisms together with other authentic ones produced 10-hydroxystearic acid from oleic acid. Some bacteria could convert oleic acid to 10-oxostearic acid as well as 10-hydroxystearic acid. These findings indicate that the microbial enzyme(s) catalyzes the hydration of oleic acid and probably the oxidation of this hydrated product. Aerobic bacteria as well as anaerobic microorganisms were found to be involved in the formation of adipocere.     

眼球钝挫伤后视网膜脱离的司法鉴定

目的分析眼球钝挫伤后视网膜脱离在法医临床学眼损伤及伤残鉴定中的致伤原因及因果关系。方法研究112例眼球钝挫伤后视网膜脱离案例,对其中视网膜裂孔类型、外伤至视网膜脱离时间、合并其他损伤或疾病进行分析。结果本组案例锯齿缘离断4.28%,黄斑裂孔12.50%,其他部位的裂孔(<90°)56.25%,巨大裂孔(>90°)5.00%,未发现裂孔的增殖性玻璃体视网膜病变(PVR)性视网膜脱离11.6%,其中45眼有不同程度的PVR。外伤至视网膜脱离的时间以1周～2个月为常见(61.60%)。合并中高度近视者83.93%,合并玻璃体混浊者52.68%。外伤与视网膜脱离存在直接因果关系者41.07%,存在间接因果关系者52.68%,外伤与视网膜脱离难以联系者6.25%。结论视网膜脱离与多种危险因素有关,外伤与视网膜脱离之间因果关系的分析是法医学眼损伤及伤残鉴定的重要内容。     

Characterization of microorganisms isolated from counterfeit toothpaste

Abstract: The appearance of potentially counterfeit “Colgate” toothpaste on the American market prompted a criminal investigation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including the collection of c. 60,000 tubes of toothpaste from retail outlets and product distributors. Microbiological testing was performed based on the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual, which determined the presence and number of bacteria present in the products. Bacteria were isolated from each “Colgate” variety; up to 2 × 10⁶ cfu/g were isolated from some of the product units. Using conventional microscopic and biochemical bacterial identification methods, most of the bacteria isolated from these samples were Gram‐negative rods of several genera, including Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Klebsiella. Most of the organisms isolated represent opportunistic pathogens, and therefore, counterfeit “Colgate” toothpaste containing high levels of bacteria pose a human health hazard.     

Glycated hemoglobin: a useful post-mortem reference marker in determining diabetes

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) has been demonstrated to be a useful marker for long-term glucose control in diabetes. This parameter characterizes each non-enzymatic fixation of glucose on hemoglobin. It is a useful test in addition to periodic glycemia controls since it reflects the mean glycemia of the past 60 days. We studied the conservation of HbA(1c) at 4 degrees C as a function of time with different anti-coagulants and preservatives (3, 6 months, 1 year). A total of 106 tests were performed using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method dedicated to the semi-automatic analysis of HbA(1c) (Bio-Rad) and we applied the method in forensic cases. Conservation at 4 degrees C was good for as long as 3 months in blood samples collected with fluoride and 6 months in samples collected in a dry or in a heparinized tube. In non-diabetic subjects, HbA(1c) reference values obtained from forensic samples were identical to those of living controls (3.5-6.25% of total hemoglobin). All positive HbA(1c) results were confirmed by a medical evaluation. This method was successfully applied to five forensic cases. In cases of increased acetonemia, acetone or isopropanol are easily measured. However, in some unexplained post-mortem circumstances, increased HbA(1c) permits to differentiate alcoholic or starvation ketoacidosis from the diabetic cases. Glycated hemoglobin should, therefore, be considered the forensic marker of choice in the post-mortem diagnosis of a diabetic disorder and demonstrates its usefulness in post-mortem validation.